Architect helps Theater Chain revive downtown districts

This is an architect's rendering of Woodstock Theater. The project, designed by Naperville based K. Peterson Associates, Inc., is close to completion.

This is an architect's rendering of Woodstock Theater. The project, designed by Naperville based K. Peterson Associates, Inc., is close to completion. (Posted By Rich Publicity, Community Contributor)

Posted by Rich Publicity, Community Contributor

The Woodstock Square had its moment in the spotlight of fame when it served as Puxatony, PA’s, substitute town square for the Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day. But, as with many other older, downtown districts, time has not favored what was once the hub of many communities. Commuters seem to prefer box stores and shopping malls along the main highways. Then again, others continue to revel in the slower pace and nostalgic vistas of the old downtowns.

K. Peterson Associates, Inc., is working with Classic Cinemas, a Midwest theater chain, to bring new life to the old town squares and downtown shopping districts in the region. One such case, is the Woodstock Theater expansion. Peterson Associates have designed a new, downtown theater for Woodstock that will include eight screens.

“For years, we’ve seen big Cineplex theaters, with 16 screens, open in large boxes near shopping malls around the country,” said Kevin Peterson, the architect for Classic Cinemas’ current Woodstock Theater expansion. “Those theaters just don’t have the charm of a two-screen, mom-and-pop, downtown theater.”

While Peterson described the charm of a downtown theater, he also spoke of its importance to the shopping district. He described the theaters as anchor stores for ‘Main Street’ that will spur further development in the area.

Other downtown theaters K. Peterson has redesigned include the Lake Theatre in Oak Park, York Theatre in Elmhurst and the Lindo Theatre in Freeport. Expanding and redesigning the theaters has allowed them to compete with what Peterson calls, “The big boys.”

With Woodstock Theater, the project was particularly delicate as the theater expansion fronts Main Street. This required a particular effort to blend the theater’s façade to match other businesses in the area and to meet the requirements of the Woodstock Historic Downtown District. With the other downtown theaters, most of the screens are generally tucked behind retail stores.

“When someone goes to a move, they want to relax and enjoy the experience,” Peterson said. “There’s no better setting for that than in one of these downtown theaters.”

For more information about K Peterson Associates, Inc., call 630-548-1315 or visit www.kpetersonarchitects.com.